Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 6, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was manifested by an average puretone threshold of 56 decibels in the right ear and 60 decibels in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support entitlement to a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss at any point during the appeal.

Your claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been fully granted with the issuance of a rating decision in August 2017, effective March 20, 2009. The issue is now dismissed as there are no remaining unresolved claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have fibromyalgia, tinnitus, or bilateral hearing loss. For PTSD, the rating assigned is 50 percent prior to February 25, 2017, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, which means the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was manifested by no worse than level III hearing impairment in the left ear and level I in the right ear. The criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations were not met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, sleep apnea, left knee disorder, and carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was added to the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim regarding his character of discharge, which is a bar to VA benefits. The Veteran's military service was deemed dishonorable due to violent acts committed against other soldiers.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss. However, it is not clear whether these conditions are related to his military service or if they are secondary to his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and analysis.

The Board found that the Veteran's sensorineural hearing loss in his left and right ears did not manifest during service, did not display the required chronology of symptomatology, and has not been shown to be related to service. The same was true for bilateral tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss disability was denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus is being remanded as he filed a Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The remaining claims are dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for a back strain, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied as there is no competent evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The issues of bilateral hearing loss and atrial fibrillation are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam Era service. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, and thus he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and onychomycosis. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be related to his in-service noise exposure.,Service connection is also granted for a low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's reduction in the rating for bilateral hearing loss from 70 percent to 50 percent was not proper due to failure to follow procedural requirements, and the original 70 percent rating is restored.